When it comes to our body image and our differences, it may or may not come as a surprise to learn that similar concerns are present across all sexes and genders. It’s a misconception that eating disorders only occur in women. In fact, as many as one in three eating disorders develop in men – it is possible that this number is far higher due to many going undiagnosed...[1] Why? It could boil down to cultural biases and stereotypes, resulting in men being less likely to reach out for help. The Mental Health Foundation found 28% of men in the UK feel anxious because of body image issues.[2]*
IT CAN BE TOUGH FOR A MAN TO SPEAK OPENLY ABOUT HIS CONCERNS
Men often find it harder to say that they’re feeling self-conscious about their bodies or looks. We know it can be tough for a man to speak openly about his concerns, and this is because men have traditionally been conditioned to believe that talking about feelings is a sign of weakness and fear being chastised.
For men, disordered eating may not just be about having a negative body image. In fact, this is just one reason a man might struggle with their relationship with food. Disordered eating can often start with stress at work or with academic studies, difficulties with relationships, or loss and bereavement. Whatever the reason behind the disordered eating, it’s helpful for us to note the additional pressures on men and know what to be looking out for so we can offer support.
It’s interesting to note the number of campaigns and research concerning female body image in comparison to male. It’s rare we see these campaigns directed at men to help them love their bodies.[3] Men who viewed advertisements featuring male models of actors with the muscular ideal body type were more likely to feel negative about their own body, and more likely to feel dissatisfied with their own muscles.[4]
It isn’t just the advertisements and targeted messages to consumers that affect our body image, but the images we see of our friends, colleagues, and acquaintances can also make an impact.
SO, WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DISORDERED EATING?
Warning signs don’t fit into neat categories, and someone is unlikely to have all of these at once, but some of the things you might notice are^:
• A preoccupation with weight, food, calories, and carbohydrates
• Appearing uncomfortable eating around other people
• Skipping meals or taking smaller portions of food at regular meals
• Extreme concern with body size or shape
• Regular dieting
• Frequent checking in the mirror for flaws
• Mood swings
• In general – any behaviour or attitude that points toward control of food or weight loss and dieting as being of primary concern
Everyone has the right to feel comfortable in the skin they are in and not to be held back from achieving what they want out of their lives.
REACH OUT AND GET HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
We asked CEO and body confidence & well-being coach Ursula Joy for some tips on how we can approach and support a man in our lives who we fear may have disordered eating. Ursula said:
‘It’s really important to reach out and get help as soon as possible. BEAT tells us the earlier people get support, the more likely they are to recover quickly. It can be tricky to navigate these things on your own and lots might come up, so depending on your relationship with the man you are concerned about, you may also want to find some help yourself.
It’s a good idea to create an open and safe space for him to talk about how he feels at a time that feels right for him. The space is safe when it is non-judgmental, and he knows he’s going to be listened to and heard. By nature, eating disorders are secretive creatures, coupled with a lot of shame, so creating a safe place for him to come and speak when he’s ready is something I can’t stress enough. It’s a good idea to invite him to take part in activities with you that have nothing to do with body image. And if you feel comfortable and confident to do so, invite him to challenge muscle culture (or whatever the problem is for him) and join him in finding evidence that supports how great he is.
If you are a man reading this who is worried about your eating, I’d like to ask you what it is like to be you? How do you feel about your looks, abilities, hopes, fears, and dreams? And I’d like to challenge you to think about who the person is you’re most comfortable speaking to, and then go and get the help you need, because as soon as you get treatment, a full recovery is possible.’
*But lots of men may go undiagnosed so this might not be the true figure. The media suggests more men are getting eating disorders, but this may not be the case. It could be that more men are coming forward and seeking help, preventing these illnesses from developing further.
^Indicators taken from the National Eating Disorders website. For a full list of behaviours including physical symptoms and symptoms to particular diagnosis (e.g., bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and OFSED (otherwise specified feeding or eating disorder) please visit their webpage.
[1] https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/research-on-males
Author Ursula Joy
Artistic Director and Body Confidence Coach Ldn Dares